With a new quarterback, a rebuilt receiving corps and injury problems at running back, N.C. State figures to be relying heavily on its veteran defense early this season.

Sunday, however, that defense suffered a serious blow with news that one of its best players, senior tackle J.R. Sweezy will miss at least six weeks after undergoing surgery to repair a foot fracture.

Sweezy, a 6-foot-5, 293-pound captain, was second on the Wolfpack with six sacks and 13 tackles for loss last season, and is considered a legitimate All-ACC candidate this year.

He will sidelined for at least the first four games this season, including the ACC opener against Wake Forest.

The good news is that coach Tom O’Brien has several viable options for replacing Sweezy.

Junior Brian Slay started one game last year and saw extensive action as a backup and sophomore end Darryl Cato-Bishop has played some tackle while 6-2, 315-pound redshirt freshman Thomas Teal showed he may be ready to contribute after a strong spring.

State opens its season on Sept. 3 against Liberty at Carter-Finley Stadium.